The U.S. Department of Commerce has allocated more than USD 42 million in funding to address the impact of fishery disasters in various regions. This allocation, announced by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, aims to aid the recovery efforts in Alaska, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon, and among the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and Yurok Tribe fisheries. These disasters occurred between 2017 and 2022, and the funding is expected to provide crucial support to the affected communities and tribes.

Prioritizing Sustainable Fisheries

Secretary Raimondo emphasized the importance of sustainable fisheries to the well-being of our communities and the nation’s economy. She expressed hope that these funds would play a pivotal role in assisting the affected regions and tribes in their recovery from these devastating disasters.

To determine the allocation of funds, NOAA Fisheries relied on commercial revenue loss data across the eligible disasters. Additionally, the agency took into consideration the traditional uses of fisheries resources that extend beyond commercial revenue, including cultural and subsistence uses.

Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, highlighted the profound impact of fishery disasters on the communities that rely on these fisheries for their local economies. She stressed the need for collective efforts to mitigate disaster impacts, restore fisheries, and prevent future calamities, especially in the face of climate change.

Congressional Support for Disaster Relief

The funding for fishery disaster assistance was provided by Congress through the 2022 and 2023 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Acts. Positive determinations enabled these fisheries to qualify for funding allocations from these appropriations, with the goal of enhancing the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the affected fisheries. Beneficiaries of these funds encompass commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, charter businesses, shore-side infrastructure, and subsistence users.

The allocated funds will support a range of activities aimed at revitalizing the impacted fisheries and communities. Potential uses of the funding include fishery-related infrastructure projects, habitat restoration, state-run vessel and fishing permit buybacks, job retraining programs, and more. Some fishery-related businesses affected by the disasters may also be eligible for assistance from the Small Business Administration.

In the upcoming months, NOAA Fisheries will collaborate with the states and tribes that are recipients of these allocations. Together, they will oversee the distribution of disaster relief funds and work towards the recovery of the affected fisheries and communities. Individuals and fishing communities grappling with the aftermath of these disasters are encouraged to engage with their respective state authorities and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission for further guidance and support.